Snri Antidepressants (Includes Effexor) ↔ Depression

Severe Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility

Applies to: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Depressive Psychosis

Adult and pediatric patients with depression and other psychiatric disorders may experience worsening of their symptoms and may have the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for worsening of their symptoms, suicidality or changes in their behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment, and at times of dose changes. Discontinuing the medication should be considered if symptoms are persistently worse, or abrupt in onset. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Major

Snri Antidepressants (Includes Effexor) ↔ Renal Disease

Severe Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility

Applies to: Renal Dysfunction

The clearance of SNRI antidepressants is decreased in subjects with renal impairment. SNRIs should be used with caution in this group of patients and a dose adjustment is recommended in those with moderate and severe renal impairment. The use of SNRIs is not recommended in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Major

Venlafaxine (Includes Effexor) ↔ Renal/Liver Disease

Severe Potential Hazard, High plausibility

Applies to: Renal Dysfunction, Liver Disease

Venlafaxine is metabolized by the liver, and both the parent drug and metabolites are excreted by the kidney. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from venlafaxine due to decreased drug clearance. Therapy with venlafaxine should be administered cautiously in patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function. A reduction in the total daily dosage is recommended. The manufacturer suggests a 50% reduction in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (possibly more in patients with cirrhosis), a 25% reduction in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, and a 50% reduction in patients undergoing hemodialysis (to be administered after dialysis treatment).

Antidepressants (Includes Effexor) ↔ Mania

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility

Applies to: Mania, Bipolar Disorder

All antidepressants may occasionally cause mania or hypomania, particularly in patients with bipolar disorder. Therapy with antidepressants should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of mania/hypomania.

Snri Antidepressants (Includes Effexor) ↔ Glaucoma

SNRI antidepressants cause pupillary dilation that may trigger an angle closure attack in patients with anatomically narrow angle without iridectomy.

Moderate

Snri Antidepressants (Includes Effexor) ↔ Hypertension

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility

Applies to: Hypertension

Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SNRIs) have been associated with sustained increases in blood pressure. Therapy with SNRI antidepressants should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting hypertension. Blood pressure should be assessed prior to initiating treatment and monitored regularly. The dose should be reduced or discontinued if necessary.

Snri Antidepressants (Includes Effexor) ↔ Hyponatremia

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility

Applies to: Hyponatremia, Dehydration

Treatment with SNRI antidepressants can cause hyponatremia. Caution should be used when treating patients with hyponatremia or at greater risk of hyponatremia such as the elderly, patients taking diuretics or who are volume depleted.

Moderate

Snri Antidepressants (Includes Effexor) ↔ Mania

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility

Applies to: Mania, Bipolar Disorder

Therapy with SNRI antidepressants can cause activation of mania and hypomania and should be used with caution in patients with personal or family history of mania, hypomania, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders.

Moderate

Snri Antidepressants (Includes Effexor) ↔ Seizures

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility

Applies to: Seizures

SNRI antidepressants may trigger seizures and should be administered with caution in patients with a seizure disorder.

Snri Antidepressants (Includes Effexor) ↔ Urinary Tract Obstruction

SNRI antidepressants have a noradrenergic effect and can affect urethral resistance. Caution should be used in patients with a history of dysuria, prostatic hypertrophy, prostatitis, and other lower urinary tract obstructive disorders.

Moderate

Venlafaxine (Includes Effexor) ↔ Weight Loss

The use of venlafaxine may occasionally cause significant, dose-dependent weight loss, which may be undesirable in patients suffering from anorexia, malnutrition or excessive weight loss. The loss of at least 5% of body weight occurred in 6% to 7% of treated patients in premarketing studies, compared to 1% to 2% for placebo. Anorexia may occur in approximately 10% of patients. Weight change should be monitored during therapy if venlafaxine is used in malnourished or underweight patients.

Do not stop taking any medications without consulting your healthcare provider.

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